Issue of the Month: Affordable Care Act

Posted: July 26th, 2012

On March 23, 2010 President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, changing the way Americans access healthcare. New policies will continue to be implemented through 2014, but we have already started to see an impact throughout the country. Some notable changes are:
– Insurance companies and employee health plans have the option of covering dependents up to age 26. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 2.5 million young adults have gained access to health care since 2010.
– Health insurance for young adults now covers preventative services for members enrolled in individual or employer health plans. These services include screening for obesity, depression, STI’s, as well as providing a variety of immunizations.
– Medicaid eligibility and sources to receive health care out side of employer plans are now growing and becoming more accessible to community members of all ages.
In June 2012 the Supreme Court upheld a provision of the Affordable Care Act requiring most Americans to obtain health insurance, or incur a financial penalty. After much controversy, the legislation was upheld 5-4. Health is one of the three main pillars of United Way and as an YLS supporter, we must equip the agencies we support with tools to provide health care services to our community. It is also important that we increase our knowledge to assist the agencies and our communities as we face the changes ahead. Find more information here.Post submitted on behalf of Ashley Isaacson, Member of the Young Leaders Society Issue Awareness Committee.